BNP Advocacy Insider – November 2022
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November 4, 2022
BNP Hosts Hochul, Zeldin
Through the BNP’s Gubernatorial Candidate Forum series, we welcomed Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Lee Zeldin to our office for conversations about the issues facing our regional economy. We discussed many of the same issues with both candidates.
On economic development, Hochul touted victories like Micron, which will bring many jobs to central New York after being lured by state incentives. Zeldin offered a differing vision, advocating for lower taxes and simpler regulation to encourage business growth.
On climate policy, Gov. Hochul reaffirmed her support for pursuing ambitious climate goals. Rep. Zeldin expressed concern with the Climate Action Council’s recommendations and urged caution on pursuing “unrealistic” goals too quickly.
On unemployment insurance surcharges, Gov. Hochul said she is attempting to convince the federal government to forgive state debt, but said the employer surcharges were “not that much.” Rep. Zeldin said the state bears responsibility for paying this debt and should not place the burden on employers.
The BNP thanks both candidates for their participation in our series.
BNP Releases Voter Guide
For the first time, the BNP has compiled a voter guide featuring state and federal races. In the guide, candidates explain in their own words where they stand on the issues facing our economy. The BNP does not make endorsements, but we encourage you to utilize the voter guide as you prepare to vote on Tuesday.
View the guide here.
BNP’s Gallagher: Climate Policy Must Be Realistic, Responsible
As the Climate Action Council finalizes its Scoping Plan, the BNP has led the charge in calling for affordable, reliable energy. BNP President and CEO Dottie Gallagher recently penned an op-ed in The Buffalo News explaining principles state leaders should employ when crafting climate policy. Read her piece here.
Small Business Tax Credits Available for Covid Costs
For businesses with less than 100 employees, a new tax credit is available to help cover capital costs associated with COVID-19. Credits will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis, so interested businesses should apply as soon as possible. Learn more on our blog.
NY Business Climate at Bottom of Barrel, Again
The Tax Foundation recently released its annual State Business Tax Climate Index report. New York ranked 49th, meaning it has the second worst business tax climate in the nation. This dismal outlook is not new: New York has fluctuated between 48th-50th in this report each year since 2014. The BNP continues to urge state leaders to reverse this trend. Read the report here.
Related Posts
6.29.22 Advocacy Alert: Primary Wrap Up
Last night, New York voters selected party nominees for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Erie County Clerk.
Primaries for U.S. House and State Senate seats will be held on August 23. No Assembly candidates in Erie or Niagara counties faced primaries.
6.27.22 Advocacy Alert: Coming Soon: Your Next Cost Increase
In the next few months, prepare to receive a much higher bill for unemployment insurance (UI). The BNP spent over a year warning state leaders that this was coming. The state failed to act, and now, the chickens are coming home to roost.
6.21.22 Advocacy Alert: Primary Election #1 Next Week
One set of primary elections will take place on Tuesday, June 28. Early voting is open now. Look up your polling place and sample ballot here: (Erie County) (Niagara County). Note that primary elections are only open to voters registered in that party.
6.3.22 Advocacy Alert: How Albany is Ending the 2022 session
The New York State Legislature is concluding its 2022 legislative session. The final week included a flurry of legislative activity on numerous issues of importance. Legislation that passed both houses will go to Governor Hochul’s desk for consideration. Legislation that did not pass both houses is stalled for the